Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Denver, CO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $400–$1,000 est. 3–6 weeks from application to opening
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Colorado

3 stops

  1. Colorado Sales Tax License

    Required for businesses selling retail products (shampoo, styling products) in Colorado. Issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    $16/yearImmediate (online application)

  2. CO DORA Cosmetology Salon License

    All cosmetology salons in Colorado must hold a salon establishment license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure. The salon must meet physical requirements including proper lighting, ventilation, and sanitation facilities.

    Official government source

    $100–$150/year2–4 weeks

  3. Individual Cosmetologist License

    Every cosmetologist working in your salon must hold a current Colorado cosmetologist license from DORA. Requires completion of an approved cosmetology program (1,500 hours) and passing the Colorado state board exams.

    Official government source

    $25–$75/year per licenseeVaries (depends on exam scheduling)

City of Denver / Denver County

3 stops

  1. Denver Business License

    Required for all businesses operating in Denver. Issued by the Denver Department of Excise & Licenses. Hair salons must register before opening and renew annually.

    Official government source

    $25–$50/year1–2 weeks

  2. DDPHE Salon Sanitation Inspection

    Denver salons are subject to sanitation inspections by the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. Inspections verify sterilization of tools, proper handling of chemical services, and compliance with state cosmetology rules.

    No separate feeScheduled upon opening

  3. Certificate of Occupancy

    Required before opening in a commercial space. Issued by Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) after the space passes building, fire, and zoning inspections.

    Official government source

    $100–$500 (building permit fees depending on renovation scope)2–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,000 · 3–6 weeks from application to opening

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Official Sources

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